With high expectations, it’s obvious things will go differently on your holiday

Synopsis

It was meant to be a gloriously romantic getaway in Wales for Ruby and Hudson. That was the plan, anyway. But then friends start inviting themselves along, lured by the idea of unwinding in a chocolate-box pretty cottage, wandering the lanes and the coastline, soaking up the sun and the stunningly beautiful Italian-inspired architecture. With Ellie, Jaz, Fen and Madison popping up around every corner, plus another sinister mystery to solve, will the lovebirds ever find time to indulge their desire for sun, sea and . . . strawberry shortcake?

My review

Ruby and Hudson are happily together now, and are looking forward to have a romantic getaway, just the two of them.
But their plans fall into water when suddenly not only Hudson’s new assistant Joanna is staying in the cottage next to theirs, but also Ruby’s friends have planned their vacation in a hotel nearby.
So not exactly the getaway Ruby and Hudson envisaged. Add a new mystery that needs to be solved, involving Ruby’s new friend Bee, Joanna showing a not so nice side of her and Hudson being more away for work emergencies, will this lovely couple find the time for just themselves? 

You may know that I was rather late with catching up with the Little Duck Pond Café Series, but you also know that I fell completely in love with each story.
And Ruby and Hudson even have a more special spot in my heart! So obviously l just had to read this next part! 

Is there anything more perfect for a totally in love couple to go on a romantic getaway, just being the two of them, having sun, sea and strawberry shortcake (and yes, that’s an euphemism for another word that also starts with ‘s’…). 

Obviously, if this book would only be romantic, it would be a great book anyway, but we know this couple and we know there has to be a mystery somewhere somehow.  
And while I was ready to solve this mystery together with Ruby and Hudson, I have to admit I was slightly disappointed in Hudson. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love him, but his behaviour in this book wasn’t what I expected and I can tell that Ruby shared my opinion!
I can understand when an emergency at work needs your presence, but the whole point of the romantic getaway was to have some alone time.
And his inability to see Joanna’s behaviour, especially towards Ruby, well, it just infuriated me.
But do not despair, because he redeems himself BIG TIME and my love for him only grew! 

Despite Hudson’s absence, Ruby tries to make the best of her holiday. She spends some time with her friends and even befriends cleaner Bee and her lovely daughter Jodie.
And with the mystery revolving around them, Ruby is adamant to figure out what is going on. That’s the Ruby we know! 

Also Jaz gets her spotlight moment in this book. We know from the previous parts she wasn’t having an easy time, so it was lovely to see how she is getting back to be her normal self. And while one devastating revelation could break her, I admired her decisions! 

I absolutely loved reading this book, even if there were some terrifying moments that didn’t only scare Jodie and moments that made me feel disappointed in the men. But making mistakes is human, and sometimes we have to look at the bigger picture.
I loved reading how strong, lovely, and caring Ruby and Hudson are, not only as a couple but also as individuals.
And with the friends gathered together, it’s all good when it ends well! 

The author managed to let me devour this book in one session and made me look even more forward to the next part of this marvellous series!

I for sure cannot wait to read this book, can you?

Synopsis

When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down and she needs a plan, fast.

By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature.

But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house?

And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life?

The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.

Pre-order Links:

UK – The Cottage in the Highlands: Relax and unwind with the brand new winter romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 3) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

USA – Amazon.com: The Cottage in the Highlands: Relax and unwind with the brand new winter romance (Scottish Escapes, Book 3) eBook : Shackman, Julie: Kindle Store

Publication Date: 1st December

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and has a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper. The Cottage in the Highlands is Julie’s seventh novel.

The COVER!

Life doesn’t always go as expected

Synopsis

Do what you love. Love what you do…

After a whirlwind courtship, Roisin Kelly ignored the sceptics and objectors and married aspiring novelist Brody Brady.

Fast forward one year and Roisin’s honeymoon is well and truly over. Brody has become her reclusive, freeloading lodger whilst he pens his masterpiece and she walks on eggshells.

Working in the Council Planning office, Roisin dreams to escape the mundanity of her life. Her true passions are cooking and entertaining her family and friends but she lacks the confidence to take it any further. When a charity supper club is suggested by best friends Jools and Richard, Roisin has no choice and is reluctantly swept along to be head chef for the fundraiser.

With the help of her friends, Roisin starts to believe that there is more to life that moody writers, hamsters and poor hygiene and that maybe she has a few dreams of her own.

And that just when you think life has nothing left to give, your whole world can change.

My review

One year ago, Roisin Kelly married aspiring Brody Brady after only knowing him for a short time. Unfortunately, her married life isn’t really what she expected it to be. Brody is spending all of his time writing his masterpiece, and has become a real reclusive, and even has a lack of hygiene. But Roisin wants to support him in his dream is and she is counting the days for his deadline.
Even her job in the Council Planning office isn’t what Roisin truly dreams about, as her real passion is cooking for her friends and family.
But ask her to chase her dreams for real, her lack of confidence kicks in. That is, until her best friends Jools and Richard persuade her to start a charity supper club with Roisin as a chef.
With her friends and family by her side to offer helping hands, Roisin start to believe that chasing her own dreams isn’t a bad thing and that she can truly change her passion into something more. And even everyone around her are facing changes in their lives. some of them good, and some not so… 

The start of this book was very promising for the main character Roisin. Who doesn’t like a whirlwind romance ending up in marriage?
But unfortunately, the starting romance was the only good thing Roisin had with Brody. 

I felt so sorry for her, reading how quickly things started to change once married to Brody. I for sure don’t know if I would have Roisin’s patience. But that also shows us the kind of character Roisin is. She knows that her marriage isn’t a good one, okay it’s non – existing. But she has the hope that after the deadline the Brody she knew, will return. 

Can I just say that I totally despised Brody? I found him an arrogant, selfish, literally disgusting pr*ck, just doing what he wants, not being supportive or just actual listening to Roisin.

But luckily, Roisin has great friends and an amazing family by her side. Even if she doesn’t share with anyone how she is struggling in her marriage (can you blame her, as everyone warned her not to get married that quickly), each member of her friends and family know that Roisin is someone you can rely on. 

I loved getting to Roisin better. Her failing marriage isn’t something to blame her for, as we see in so many different moments how great she truly is. She helps out her friends, by doing the supper club even if she doesn’t believe in herself.
But she also is a kind person towards those who need it. While it would be easy to just be a friendly, but not overfriendly, neighbour, she actually helps Harry even if it would be okay if she wouldn’t. And she is the most amazing, caring, loving sister, daughter and aunt her family could imagine.  

I felt so much positivism reading this book, because after every setback, Roisin got back on her feet, kept her head high and kept going. She knew she had the right people that would support her every step on the way.

This story shows us that everyone makes wrong choices in their lives, but it’s up to us to admit defeat when the time has come. But it also shows us that in life, do what you love to do, as life is too precious to do things we don’t feel passionate about.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but it is up to us to find the courage to change directions. Because we never know where that changed direction will take us. And maybe even bring us back to someone of the past we never truly forgot about…

You never know how life can change in a few blinks

Synopsis

Escape to Sandy Cove, where the scent of summer and the sound of wedding bells are in the air!

Ella makes brides’ dreams come true – there’s no dress she can’t make perfect with her sewing skills and some sparkle. But Ella’s own love life is no fairy tale. Recently dumped, surrounded by fussy brides and with the prospect of wearing a hideous brown bridesmaids dress to her friend’s wedding, Ella feels more alone than ever so agrees to go on a blind date.

A mix up on the night introduces her to Kit. 

Kit is definitely not the man she was supposed to meet, but he could end up changing her life in ways she never thought possible…

A perfectly funny, feel-good summer romance that will whisk you away to sandy beaches and a seaside wedding. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

My review

Ella surely has a talent in making brides to have their wedding dress of their dreams. Unfortunately her own love life hasn’t got any wedding bells in store for her, especially as Ella has been recently dumped by her boyfriend.
Surrounded by brides – to – be at work, her own best friend getting married in a few months, makes Ella feel more alone than ever. So when her friends want to set her up on a blind date, she reluctantly agrees.
But thanks to a mix up, she meets Kit instead. Kit, who has his own reasons of being at that place. Reasons that are somehow linked with Ella and Ella cannot just ignore. So Kit and Ella start to work together on their masterplan, while getting to know each other better and becoming actual friends who help each other out.
But their lives couldn’t be more different, so nothing more can come from it, right? 

I always enjoy reading stories from this author, and I absolutely devoured this one! 

I was in awe with how Ella manages to make wonderful wedding dresses, especially if you see how her boss treats her. I admired Ella’s visions of making changes and her capability to do the impossible. If only she would have more faith in her own talents!
But luckily she has her friends to push her a little bit. I loved how the three friends were all so different, but somehow it all worked. Ella, Lucy and Brittany have their own views on things, not always sharing the same opinions, but they would walk through fire for each other. A wonderful friendship that surely should be treasured! 

My heart broke a little bit when Ella and Kit meet. Not because he is an awful man, on the contrary, but because the reason of Kit being there too, did devastate Ella.
While I somehow understood their new plans, I couldn’t 100% agree with it. But seeing how it brings Ella and Kit closer, well, okay, I can run along with it! 

What I loved about this story, is that it is mainly about Ella and Kit, but there is so much more to it. While feelings are growing, Kit’s reasons for not taking things further along are just like the only acceptable reason.
It shows just how caring and loving he is. He is ready to put his own happiness aside, because someone else needs him more.  

It was wonderful to read how Ella starts to grow a pair, stops apologizing for things she cannot do anything about it and starts to believe in herself and her talent.
Even if at a moment she doubts what to do, that doesn’t stop her from doing the right thing.

I found it nearly impossible to put this story down, as I just wanted to read more, not only about Ella or Kit, but also I wanted to get to know Lucy better. Because it’s clear that behind her tough façade is a vulnerability in her that made my heart ache for her.
However, she is also that fierce woman we imagined her to be. I even admired her when her latest clients suddenly are more than she bargained for, yet even with her limited capacities, she proofs to be an invaluable asset in a positive resolution! 

This story is filled with smiles, loud laughs and happy feelings when you start reading it. But there are also heart – breaking moments, moments that you just want to slap someone and moments that made my ovaries just explode.
And just like the three friends, I can never look at a toolbelt at the same way anymore!  

The author managed perfectly to show us how people can mature in a story, how your vision of certain aspects can change when the right moment comes and that believing in yourself can let you make choices you never imagined.
A marvellous book about friendship, love, family, standing up for yourself and even a cat like you never met before!
For me, this book is the total package!

One flight to St. Lucia, with life alternating encounters

Synopsis

As a flight to St Lucia leaves the runway, four passengers meet for the first time.

After escaping her controlling husband, Bernadette Manson is taking the first extravagant holiday of her new life. But when her best friend cancels, will she be strong enough to fly solo?

Tadgh Donovan is about to jet off to his destination wedding when he sees a shocking text. Has his bride-to-be written her wedding vows… or already broken them?

Hayley Ford is the wife of a top fertility specialist yet her battle to get pregnant has almost broken her marriage. Can a trip to the sun heal their relationship or should she brace for a crash landing?

Dev Robbins is crossing oceans to track down the woman he fell in love with at first sight. Will it be a one way trip to happy ever after or a return journey to singledom?

My review

People take planes for several different occasions. Let’s take a look at Bernadette for example. Now that she is freed from her controlling husband, she is going to enjoy for the first time an extravagant holiday. While the initial plan was that her best friend came along too, due circumstances, Bernadette is on her own.
Or what about Dev? He never believed in love at first sight, until one specific night. And now that the woman of his dreams is staying in St. Lucia for a wedding, he flies after her, to profess his love for her.
Talking about weddings… Tadgh may be a famous musician, but he is on his way to St. Lucia to marry his girlfriend. A girlfriend that seems to be have sent a text that makes Tadgh doubt the strength of their love.
Doubts… exactly what Hayley is having. Being a wife of a fertility specialist, but not able of getting pregnant herself… At the point of having a strained marriage. But will this holiday to St. Lucia be the stress-free vacation change her relationship for the better?  

I have read several books of this author and each time I am absolutely amazed how she is able to write such a captivating, wonderful story, even if it only takes place over a short amount of time. 

So even if I knew the talent Shari Low has, I was a bit doubting how a flight of just nine hours could result in an amazing story. But I should never have doubted her! 

To be honest, I never had a flight myself that lasted longer than 3 hours, and for me it would be horror being confined for the whole nine hours in a small space. Add the fact that the main characters are sitting next to strangers, made my horror only grow. 

It was very recognizable, that none of the characters wanted to be one of those passengers that talk for hours to complete strangers, while everyone just want to be left alone.
However, it was beautiful to see how these strangers, at different stages in their lives, somehow were just meant to sit next to each other. Of course, this was the plan of the author! 

I admired Bernadette and her determination, courage and no – nonsense approach. She came from a marriage with a controlling husband, yet she got out of it, and finally can live her life like she wants. She even has the courage to go on a holiday on her own, even if she has no idea what she will do there.
But due her own past, she sees more then meets the eye, and understands the situation Hayley is in. However, how easy it would be to interfere and tell Hayley what to do, Bernadette just tells her own story and lets Hayley know that it’s never too late to make a change. 

I truly felt sorry for Hayley… it’s rather easy and quick to realize that her husband is one of the worst kinds… The way he belittles her, even leaves her on her own in the plane, getting a better place for himself, and tells her how much or how little she may drink… Well, you know enough, right?
But as an outsider, it’s always easy to tell someone else what to do. But how does someone know what Hayley is thinking? Because isn’t the inability of getting pregnant putting a strain on their marriage? And everything will get better during the holiday?
I also felt proud of Hayley, because during the flight, she realizes that yes, she can make up her mind for her own, and no, her husband doesn’t have to be a jerk all the time to everyone.

Dev was a harder nut to crack. I loved his optimism, and faith that everything would end in a happy end. But let’s be honest, meeting a person one night and knowing she/he is The One? The odds aren’t really in favour are day?
But nevertheless, Dev is a good guy and only for that I wished him that his dream would come true.
And even if it wouldn’t he would always have his best friend Lizzy by his side. And his book would somehow always be a success! 

Tadgh may be the cliché of musicians, but he obviously has a tender heart. While not everyone understands why he wants to get married, for him, it’s the logical step. My heart broke for him with that one text, but for a long time I kept hoping for a misunderstanding. Because the level of betrayal would be too big.
And while he of course loves his girlfriend, he also has a secondary reason, and that made my heart just melt!
But the further along in the story, the more I slowly kept hoping for a different outcome.  

Sometimes this story may seems farfetched. But often life takes an unexpected turn at the most absurd places. Who would ever think that four different people could have such an important effect and impact on each other?
Sometimes talking to absolute strangers is exactly what we should do, to see something through different eyes. 

I loved reading every bit of this story, I loved all the main characters equally (and A LOT!). there is a very long build up ( the whole nine hour long flight!) and then everything comes together perfectly. While I felt the ending was a bit too hasted, as I just wanted to read more about what happens after the flight, the finish of a story is not the most important thing, but it’s the journey people take to reach that point. And in this case you can take it very literally! 

An amazing, wonderful story about beautiful people going at the same destination but with their own fights already fought or yet to fight. The beauty of how Fate brings people together that need each other to realize the most important thing in their lives.
A talented author bringing us a story that made me again realize and understand why I appreciate and love her and her books so much!

You never know the insides of a normal person

Synopsis

A family torn apart by their father’s infidelity are forced to confront the past thirty years later. As Natalie’s younger sister, Amanda, prepares for marriage and impending motherhood, her plea for the family to reunite uncovers pent-up tension and animosity. Can they forget the past and become a family again? 

Natalie’s life begins to unravel as their father starts to creep back into their lives and family tensions resurface, affecting her relationship with her boyfriend, Rob. Will the couple find their way back to each other, and can a family that has been torn apart ever heal their wounds? 

Can you ever walk away from someone you love, or do some fires never die out?

My review

Thirty years ago, Natalie’s father walked away from his family, as his infidelity has reached its peak. In the present, Natalie is finding herself ambushed by her younger sister Amanda to reconcile with their father. Amanda always kept in touch with their father, while Natalie cannot let go of the past.  And with Amanda’s wedding around the corner, and Amada finding herself pregnant, Natalie seems not able to escape her father.
Even her brother Paul betrays her by reaching out to their father…
But Natalie is not inclined at all to forgive him, and tensions arise between the family members. This also affects her relationship with Rob, her amazing boyfriend.
Can all wounds be healed over time? Or are some actions unforgivable? And is all truly lost for Natalie and Rob? 

This story took some time to grow on me. Not because it’s badly written or it doesn’t appear to go somewhere, but because initially it was difficult to properly understand and know Natalie.
Her first actions aren’t understandable at all, and I found it difficult to somehow sympathize with her.
Obviously that is the purpose of the author, as slowly we get to know about Natalie’s past and her present issues. 

The more is revealed the more I could understand her reluctance of being in touch with her father. I admired how as a young girl herself, she did everything she could for her mother and her siblings, how she was the one always taking matter in hands. And while her father was not in the run for the award for best father of the year. 

While it may seem a hard decision, not wanting to have her father back in her life, I saw where she was coming from, and I respected her decision. But it frustrated me that her siblings couldn’t just respect it too.
I found Amanda very selfish, she seems never to be content, it is always about her and noting is ever her fault. And everything seems to go so easy for her.
Even if Paul takes Natalie’s feelings more in account, he also seems to be pushing her to do things she truly doesn’t want to do. 

So is it really a surprise that Natalie at one point had enough? For me, no.  

Although, it took me a very long time to understand why she would break things off with Rob. They were together for such a long time, and nothing special had happened. So why throw away the best thing you have? 

But people don’t always reason logically, as this book clearly shows. And when it’s all too much, you make decisions that normally you wouldn’t make.
How would you act if you find yourself cornered?  

In books, often broken families somehow find a way back together. But in real life that is not always the case. Sometimes taking a step back is the best thing you can do, for your own peace of mind and happiness. 

While Natalie has endured many things in the past, and is only now trying to come to terms with it all, this book is also filled with hope and love. Because no matter how some things may be broken, literally and figuratively, there is always hope to fix these broken things. And it’s in the highest need that we realize what is worth fixing. 

Despite the maybe a little rough start for me, once I was in the flow of the story, I found myself submerged in Natalie’s life. There were many, many heart – breaking moments, but the book was also filled with happier moments, that made me smile. 

The author managed to describe the fragility of a family, how one event can change the course of a whole life and how that one event still affects someone even after many years have passed. Family is not made of people of your own choosing, and even if related by blood, members can be totally different. And while you obviously love them, it’s perfectly okay to chose your own happiness over theirs. 

But most important of this story is the message that despite the lemons that life throws at you, for the right person, you are perfectly enough, even with your imperfections and strange thoughts and that things will be all right after all. If that isn’t a hopeful message…

Sometimes, what we need has always been in front of us…

Synopsis

She was never meant to fall for her best friend’s brother…

Seren has had a soft spot for her best friend’s brother for as long as she can remember. But when she starts to see Kit as more than just a friend, she knows she’s on dangerous ground.

Avoiding him is probably her best course of action, but that’s easier said than done when you live on a tiny island.

When Kit declares he’s in love with her, she’s forced to deny her feelings. There’s too much to lose for her to do anything else.

If only her heart would get the message that she and Kit aren’t meant to be.

As the tension between them builds it becomes more and more difficult for Seren to keep her feelings hidden.

Can she find the courage to risk everything for love? And will Kit still be waiting for her when she does?

My review

Seren always felt part of the Trenearys’ family, even if they aren’t sharing any actual DNA. Growing up and being best friends with Noah, made her feel she always had to place where she would be welcomed with open arms.
But when she starts seeing Noah’s younger brother in a total different light, she knows she is in trouble…
How can she come clean about her blooming feelings when there is so much at stake? And she cannot imagine losing the people who are like a second family to her.
So when Kit speaks out his own feelings for Seren, she has no other option than denying her own.
But the heart wants what it wants, and hiding her feelings because more difficult every day… 

Having read the first book, and loving it, I obviously had no other choice than reading this next book too. 

I didn’t dislike Seren in book 1, but I saw her more as a threat to the wonderful couple that Keira and Noah make.
But in that book, Seren made me like her more and more, so I was very curious how and when she would have her own happy end. 

It’s obvious that Seren is a kind person, very loving and caring. Even if she has known loss at a young age, with the love she receives and gives to the Trenearys’ family, she feels she found the next best thing.
She is also a very understanding person, as she knows that now that her best friend is in a relationship, she is no longer his first priority. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t sting when she needs her best friend by her side. 

Kit may be younger than Seren, but the author manages perfectly to proof that age truly is just a number. Because Kit is more mature than other people of his own age, and even more mature than people who are actually older.
Maybe he is not the smartest guy around concerning professing his love, but his feelings are genuine and real.
He would do anything for Seren, even if that mean he should learn to use an actual bookmark!
And let’s be honest, he’s also a smart guy, as his successful business shows. He’s got the looks AND the brains! What else does a woman need!   

From the very start of this book, I had the best fun! It starts when Seren is ogling Kit without realizing it’s Kit who caught her attention. But I also swooned at the sweet moments, like Kit looking after Seren after a peanut incident.
However, as a reader I also got a bit frustrated. Not because the author didn’t do a great job with this book, but it was so irritating that it… just… takes… such… a… long… time for Seren to finally listen to her heart!
What does it matter if Kit is younger? So what if Seren has known him all her life? If he is the man for you, that all doesn’t matter! And don’t let fear of ruining everything make you ruin everything! 

Although… even if I got angry at Seren at some moments, I could also somehow comprehend her feeling. Not that I agreed with them, but I saw where she was coming from. Because what if in some weird ways, things would end badly between them, Seren would not only Kit as a boyfriend, but also as a friend, and also whole his family.
And that is not a risk she wants to take… 

The beauty about this book is that all the fears are understandable, even if you don’t agree. And also how difficult it can be that once something it outspoken, to return to things were before. But also that friendship, when love doesn’t seem to be reciprocal, is very important. Better to have someone in your life as a friend, than not having that person in your life at all.
What stood by me the most after long reading sessions, is that the heart cannot be dictated. No matter how hard we fight against our feelings, and try to even move on, your heart and love will always direct you back to the person you care the most about.
And overthinking about things that could go wrong, is not the best of ideas. Focus instead on the wonderful future and life together and make things work.

Three best friends, reunited but with their own problems

Synopsis

Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a serious case of writer’s block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.

So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea’s perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?

But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr.Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!

Thank goodness for Bea’s new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair – handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back.

But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age?

Perhaps with a little help from her friends…

My review

It’s not often that friendships stand the test of time, but Bea, Gin and Audrie are proof that those friendships truly exist, even if they are living on different places in the world.
Getting together at Audrie’s place, a chateau in France, is the perfect place for all the women to escape their daily issues.
Bea is a famous author, but being divorced and a deadline for her new book, made her have a writer’s block. And her agent is losing patience…
So relaxing in France will maybe help her get over her block.
But as soon as she arrives, it’s clear that her holiday isn’t going to be as relaxing as expected, as the dream couple, Audrie and Victor, seem to be on the verge of a divorce. Especially when Victor’s colleague, lawyer Laurent Sinclair is also staying at the Chateau De St. Cyr.
And Gin’s latest divorce caused her more pain than admitted…
Will Bea be able to find the peace she so much needed, with her friends? And with charming Laurent, can she resist him, even if he appears to be the enemy? And what about the courage of allowing love back in her life, even at her age? 

I truly enjoy reading stories about friendships that started in school and even after decades they are still standing. Is it because I don’t have that kind of long friendship that I find joy in reading stories about people who have what I don’t? 

Nevertheless, this wasn’t only about three women getting together to spend time together, sharing drinks. But is was also about the struggles these great women have.
Bea is a successful author, but I can only imagine how difficult it can be to fulfil the high expectations everyone has for her new book.
So if I would go crazy, I can surely imagine Bea’s state of mind, taking also in account the way her marriage ended… 

Absolutely I agreed that visiting Audrie was the perfect solution for her. Only I didn’t expect for Bea to arrive in total chaos!
Yes, we are well aware that something was going to happen there too, but I didn’t expect things to go so badly…
And to be honest, at moments I got a bit frustrated because in my opinion, Audrie was sometimes just overreacting.
But when she did, she had her loyal friends by her side, loyal to the core, but also pointing out when she was being unreasonable.
And that made me like the story even more, because it shows us that real friends can tell you when you’re being just a little bit over the top! 

I had several laughs in this story too, because these tree women together are a force to reckon with! For sure I never want to be on their bad side! But also when you are on their good side, you have a strong alliance! 

This story shows us also that no matter how frightening it can be to allow love back in your life, it can be all worth it! Bea meeting Laurent is surely proof of it! Age is just a number and love doesn’t look how old you are when it puts the right partner in front of you.
But also love makes people do sometimes things with the best intentions but not on the smartest ways. But just when you think love has reached its end, it makes a turn of 180 degrees and it ignites even stronger than before! 

I truly enjoyed reading this book, filled with the adventures and misadventures of three women of a certain age, but certainly still young at heart!

Each family has its struggles, even if we don’t always see them…

Synopsis

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Family secrets, warring siblings and a disastrous reunion… what could possibly go right?!

My review

Sasha Greenhope has always felt that her parents had their favourite child, and Sasha wasn’t it for sure…
Her mother obviously prefers Sasha’s brother Beau, while her sister Adele is obviously a daddy’s girl.
And Sasha marrying Ben surely wasn’t what her parents expected her to do. But Sasha proofed her parents wrong, as her marriage couldn’t be any more loving, with the addition of their daughter in the wonderful equation. Add a family business that being rather successful, and it’s clear that Sasha couldn’t be happier with her own tight unit.
So it makes sense that she is dreading to participate in the family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary.
Because it’s obvious that Sasha will be in the shadows while her siblings will be taking the spotlight. To add more to a stressful upcoming event, Ben comes clean about the fact that their business may be going bankrupt.
With dread in her shoes, Sasha sees no other option than asking help from her wealthy family. But quickly discovers that each family has its own cross to bear…

Sometimes you like a book for several reasons, but when asked which point exactly made you fall in love with it, you can pin it to one specific thing.
And that is exactly the case with this wonderful book!

Sasha, Ben and LouLou are an amazing, sweet, loving family. While Sasha’s parents never really accepted Ben as their daughter’s husband, the love between them is just palpable in each shared moment.
That shows us again that richness doesn’t come from money, but from being surrounded by people that unconditionally love us.

However, no matter how great the love is, this family have their struggles… And it broke my heart a little bit, seeing how hard they worked together in their business, and because of one customer, their dreams and plans are just blown up at once…

Any normal family wouldn’t be so against asking family for help, but Sasha’s family isn’t a normal family. While her parents are the rich kind, whenever it concerns asking for money, Sasha always had to solve her own problems.
And in one way I could understand her parents’ reasoning, I thought it was also a bit mean, because it’s clear that Sasha is not one to just throw money away and won’t ask for help if not truly needed…
Also, having siblings being so perfect and successful, doesn’t make Sasha feel any better.

I was definitely in Sasha’s corner during the reunion at the Chadwell House, and got so frustrated and angry when there was obvious proof that Sasha was clearly the ‘less loved’ child. Of course, her parents love her, but just not as much as Adele or Beau…
And I ADORED Ben when he defended his little family!

But not all is as it seems in this book…
Obviously there are secrets that are going to be revealed, and some may not be a total surprise, some were unexpected and heart-breaking.
Each member is facing a struggle of their own, showing the reader that no amount of money, fancy clothes, fast cars and great houses is a recipe to save you from trouble…

While initially I truly hoped that Sasha would be finding her happiness with people who accepted her and her own family as who they are, during the story my feelings shifted.
It’s clear that communication in this family was the cause of many issues. No matter how difficult it is to express our feelings, and while it may hurt someone we love at that moment, it is always the best solution…

Now, beside my frustrations and anger, I also had many smiles and laughter while reading. Can I say that LouLou is just adorable???
The evil Tizi found it also funny how things went wrong. Like a tiramisu that was best left uneaten, or how a very important heirloom wasn’t what it seems to be.
But there were also many moments showing the strength of a family.  Because no matter what happened before, when truly needed, this family joined all forces, forgetting about their fights.

I could go on about this book for hours, but I will spare you that!
Just believe me when I say that this book is truly worth reading, as it shows us that even with family we never really knows what’s going on behind the scenes.
While speaking out may be hurtful, but in the end, it will bring us all together again. Also, with speaking out, we find a way to express our fears and realize that our fears are not always justified.
And sometimes, even if we wish for a new family ourselves, the one we got may just be perfect even with all its imperfections!

One moment in the past still haunting the present…

Synopsis

Two siblings, both missing for 20 years turn up within one day of each other. One dead. One alive.

It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother.

One moment he was on the roundabout and then was gone. Gone. Missing.

They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old.

They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing.

I tried to move on.

It’s been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.

Someone with a dark secret. They hold the keys, they know the truth.

So, I need to return to the Welsh village of my childhood to find out who, because I have a secret, too…

I did something bad.

Diane Saxon’s standalone thriller is sure to plunge you into the dark world of secrets and lies.

My review

It has been twenty years ago since Caryn’s little brother has gone missing. While being a child herself at the time, she was the one everyone blamed. If only she had looked better after Lloyd, nothing would have happened to him.
So they sent her away, and Caryn has tried to made a life on her own, without her parents or friends from the Welsh village, trying to forget her dark past.
But when someone sends her a note, demanding her return, Caryn reluctantly return to the place she once used to call home, carrying her own secrets too. However, a village never forgets and  scepticism and unfriendliness surround her. And when a new murder takes  place, the some villagers find it easy to add one to one and end up with five…
Can Caryn finally discover what happened to her little brother so many years ago?  And what other secrets are being kept and what lies are being told?

This story surely gave me chills all over my body…
I can hardly imagine how it is when your sibling disappears, and I just cannot fathom how people dare suspect that you are the culprit, being a child yourself!
So obviously from the first minute, I was in Caryn’s corner, no matter what.

Also from that same first minute, I felt sorry for Caryn, as she seems also to be a victim of that horrible event… Of course, also her parents are victims, struggling with the loss of a lovely, yet also special, boy like Lloyd.
But Caryn, having been sent away to live with a grandmother she didn’t know, accused by her own parents, her own friends apparently abandoning her, she obviously didn’t have an easy time and my heart truly broke for her.

While reading this book, I realized how positive I truly am. When Caryn returned ‘home’, I was hoping for a warm welcome. And when not only her parents quickly dismissed her, but she was even being somehow bullied by some villagers… I also kept hoping for some kind of a happy end and that in the end Lloyd would be reunited with his family somehow.

But life isn’t always a fairy tale, just as this book shows us… People will go lengths to keep their secrets, and I was shocked when the truth was revealed.
Maybe I had a little hunch, but I couldn’t imagine the extend of the lies and secrets, and was left flabbergasted when the true characters were revealed and just the evil of some of them!

But do not despair, because it’s not all doom and gloom! While Caryn’s search for the truth was definitely the main aspect of this story, the author shows us also the nicer and better bits of humanity. And real friends, even if separated by time and space, are easy to find each other again, despite all the past hurt.

I knew before I started in this book, I would be easily hooked, as my own desire to figure out the truth is just too big to ignore.
But I didn’t expect it would just be impossible to put the book away! Even with my lame attempt to move on with real life, my brain just kept going back to this story, trying to put all the pieces together.
So my sincere apologies to anyone who tried to have a decent conversation with me, but failed… it wasn’t you, it wasn’t me, it was this gripping, suspenseful story!